In a significant development, an American destroyer successfully intercepted and destroyed over a dozen unmanned aerial systems in the Red Sea on Saturday. The drones were launched from Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen, according to a statement by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on social media platform X.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS CARNEY, operating in the Red Sea, effectively engaged 14 attack drones that were assessed to be one-way drones. Thanks to the precise response, no damage was reported to the ships in the area, and there were no reported injuries, CENTCOM confirmed.

Yemen's Huthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been escalating their attacks, targeting Israel with both drones and missiles. These strikes intensified after the incursion of Hamas militants into Israel on October 7, leading to a devastating loss of lives. The Israeli government reported nearly 1,140 casualties, mostly civilians, including approximately 240 individuals who were kidnapped during the attacks.

In response, Israel initiated a large-scale military offensive to destroy Hamas and secure the release of the hostages. The Gaza Strip, which is under Hamas control, has witnessed immense bloodshed, with the territory's health ministry confirming the deaths of over 18,800 people, predominantly women and children, as the result of the Israeli offensive, according to the latest figures from the Hamas government.

The Huthi rebels have also issued threats to attack any vessels heading towards Israeli ports unless humanitarian aid, such as food and medicine, is allowed into the besieged Gaza Strip. Consequently, Maersk, one of the largest container shipping companies, has instructed its ships to halt voyages when approaching the Red Sea, following recent Houthi missile strikes on commercial ships.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has taken an additional precautionary measure in response to the escalating threat. In a news release on Saturday, MSC announced that its ships will no longer transit the Suez Canal in either direction. This decision comes after a container ship transiting the Red Sea on Friday was targeted, resulting in limited fire damage and the vessel being taken out of service.

MSC stated that their shipping services will be rerouted to pass through the Cape of Good Hope, a longer journey but considered a safer alternative given the circumstances.

These recent attacks on commercial vessels and the successful interception of the drones mark a significant escalation in the threat to shipping in the area. International attention remains focused on the ongoing conflict between the Huthi rebels, supported by Iran, and Israel's military offensive against Hamas, as the region faces heightened tensions and potential ramifications for global trade routes.